**1. Hecla Mining Company (HL)**
Hecla Mining Company, once a predominantly silver mining company, now also extracts other precious metals like lead, zinc and gold. However, silver makes up a significant portion of their annual metal production. Incorporated in 1891 and headquartered in Idaho, USA, Hecla operates mines in Alaska, Idaho, Mexico, and Quebec, Canada. The company is well-known in the industry for its innovation and mine safety measures. As of 2024, their dividend yield is 0.8% and they have consistently been paying dividends since 2011. On top of a growing payout due to increased profitability, the company’s continued investment into exploratory and developmental activities demonstrates its long-term growth potential.
**2. Wheaton Precious Metals Corp. (WPM)**
Wheaton Precious Metals is one of the largest ‘streaming’ companies in the world. Rather than mining silver itself, Wheaton enters agreements to purchase a portion of future silver production from high-quality mines. The company has a diversified portfolio of revenue-generating assets and has partnerships with some of the globe’s leading miners. Given its business model, Wheaton effectively shields investors from many of the risks associated with silver mining operations including operational, geographical and capital risks. As of 2024, they have an impressive dividend yield of 1.2% which reflects their steady cash flow.
**3. Pan American Silver Corp. (PAAS)**
Headquartered in Vancouver, Canada, Pan American Silver Corp. is the world’s second-largest primary silver producer. With a solid asset base in Mexico, Peru, Canada, Argentina, and Bolivia, this growth-focused company has an attractive portfolio of mining projects and operations. Notably, it has the largest silver reserves among its peers. Dividends have been consistently paid, with a dividend yield of 1.1% in 2024. Amidst rising silver prices, Pan American Silver’s free cash flow generation capacity, combined with strong financial flexibility, hint at potential future dividend increases.
**4. Silvercorp Metals Inc. (SVM)**
Silvercorp Metals is a Canadian-based silver producer that operates the most profitable silver mines in China. The company’s low-cost mines and scalable projects make it an attractive investment for those seeking exposure to silver. Silvercorp Metals’ consistent operational performance, as well as their rigorous cost control measures, have enabled it to maintain robust margins. This, in turn, has
